Merlin operates over 100 attractions including Legoland parks across the world (Source: Getty)

Madame Tussauds owner Merlin Entertainments announced that it has struck a joint venture agreement with China Media Capital to develop new attractions in China including a Legoland in Shanghai.

Under the agreement, which was announced as part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit, the pair also plan to develop various other Merlin brands across China including The Dungeons and DreamWorks Tours.

Merlin currently runs five attractions in China including Madame Tussauds and Chang Feng Ocean World aquarium. It has also unveiled plans for three further attractions to open in the next 18 months.